by Karen Malley
Kathryn swiped at a tear trickling down her cheek. She still had some tears left after all. She shoved her phone into her pocket and stood.
This wouldn’t do, sitting around moping. She needed ice cream. The fridge at home was full of food brought by well-meaning ladies from the church, but none of it appealed to her. How was a person supposed to grieve properly without a container of mint chocolate chip ice cream? She made her first decision as the new head of the household and went to the grocery store. Better than going back to the house for another heart-to-heart with Mom.
~*~
She turned her empty cart around the corner of the grocery aisle, lost in thought, when she crashed into another cart. The driver of the cart’s eyes danced with amusement. “Fancy bumping into you again.”
Kathryn studied him. Who was this? Wait. Those eyes. It was the guy she’d nearly run over in the hospital. She would never forget those eyes. He watched her with a concern she did not understand.
“Sorry.” She steered her cart in the other direction before he could say another word. Her cell phone rang. Mark.
“Mark, I’m sorry I bugged out after the service, but I’ll be fine. Really.”
“Katie, I need to talk with you about something. Is there any way you could meet me back at the church?”
Kathryn glanced at her still empty cart and decided the ice cream could wait. At her hesitation, Mark continued. “I know this is a tough time for you, but we need to talk. It’s important. Please…”
Might as well get it over with. “Ok, Mark. I’m not far from the church. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
~*~
Adam put away his groceries and knocked on the door across the hall.
“Hi, Mrs. Frederick. I’ve got the groceries for you.”
“Thank you, dear. Go ahead and set them on the table.” Mrs. Frederick closed the door behind Adam.
“I can put these away, if you’d like.”
“Nonsense. We’ll take care of that. You come and sit at the table. I made some coffee cake this morning. You’ll eat a piece with your tea. I always have the kettle on.”
“Yes, I remember. Thank you.”
Mr. Frederick lifted himself from his chair. “About time you came back, boy. I’ve been smelling that cake all day, and I wasn’t allowed to touch it until you came over.”
“Now Stanley…” Mrs. Frederick began.
“Don’t ‘now Stanley’ me. It’s true, and you know it.”
Adam cast an amused glance between the two, and sat at the table, where Mrs. Frederick filled tea cups for them. “I ran into our friend at the grocery store.”
“Which friend might that be, dear?” Mrs. Frederick asked.
“The woman who ran into me at the hospital. This time, she plowed her cart right into mine.”
“Sounds like a clumsy lady, if you ask me.” Mr. Frederick muttered through a mouthful of crumbs.
“Behave, Stanley.” Mrs. Frederick turned to Adam. “Did you talk to her?”
Adam shook his head. “No. I wanted to, but she disappeared before I could say anything. I did sense God telling me to pray for her again, though.”
Mrs. Frederick’s eyes widened. “That’s the second time. My goodness, dear. Are you praying?”
“Don’t meddle, Marjorie,” said Mr. Frederick.
“It’s OK, Mr. Frederick. I don’t mind her asking,” Adam said. “To tell you the truth, I prayed for her the night we ran into her at the hospital, but not since.”
“Well, you certainly must keep praying. What’s her name? I’ll pray for her too, dear.”
Adam waited to answer until he’d finished his bite of coffee cake. “No idea. She’d need to talk to me in order for me to find that out.”
~*~
Kathryn pulled back into the church parking lot, relieved it was empty except for Mark’s car. She didn’t want to deal with all the sympathy again. Getting through the funeral was hard enough.
She peeked in Mark’s office. He sat amidst a pile of papers, frowning at his computer screen. Funny how in all this time, she’d never been back here before. Church was always an in-and-out thing for her. She took a minute to study the office before entering. Mismatched bookshelves filled with religious books lined the far wall, while a shabby sofa sat at the side of the room. A small table and chairs sat by the door. How many people had Mark counseled in here? I guess I’m the next. Kathryn coughed.
Mark raised his head. A weary smile crossed his face. “Katie, I’m glad you came.”
“I was surprised you asked me to come here instead of the house.”
Mark paused before answering. “Katie, I don’t keep secrets from Anne when it comes to me. But as a pastor, people confide all sorts of things to me I can’t repeat.”
“Sort of like pastor-client privilege?”
“Exactly,” Mark said. “Anyway, I wanted to talk with you in private. Maybe if you view me as a pastor instead of a brother-in-law, this might be easier. Come, sit.” Mark rose from the desk and took a seat at one of the chairs at the table.
Kathryn followed suit.
“Mark, I’m sure you and Anne are worried about how I’m dealing with Robert’s death, but I’ll be OK.”
“I'm sure God will give you the strength to get through. I am happy to talk with you about how you’re doing with the grieving process, but I don’t think that’s something you would be interested in.”
At Kathryn’s violent shaking of her head, he continued.
“There’s something else I need to talk with you about, though.”
Surprised, Kathryn leaned forward in her chair. If this wasn’t a grief counseling session, she could handle it. “What’s up?”
“One of the officers who worked on the scene of Robert’s accident is a member of this church.”
Kathryn’s pulse quickened. “Did they find out something more? Was it not an accident?”
“No, they are convinced it was an accident. Robert was on the phone, and was a little distracted, but the other driver ran the red light.”
“That’s what they told me, too. But what about the other driver? Did he hit Robert on purpose?”
Mark’s eyes narrowed. “Katie, it’s not normal to think someone would hit Robert on purpose. The other driver was a teenage boy. He simply didn’t have much driving experience.” His eyes bore into hers. “Why do you believe someone had a reason to hurt Robert?”
Kathryn paled. This conversation wasn’t going the way she expected. “I, I don’t…” she stammered. “I asked the officers why the wreck happened.”
“Does this have something to do with what happened in California?” Mark asked.
Kathryn’s head jolted up, her eyes wide. “How could you possibly know?” She clapped her hand over her mouth, willing the words back in, but it was too late.
Mark folded his arms across his chest. “Katie, I need you to tell me if there is a reason why you, Robert, or anyone else in my family might be in danger.”
Kathryn’s insides twisted into a knot. Guilt and dread filled her. She never thought about her connection to the Campbells. If anything happened to those kids because of her stupid mistake…
Mark put his hand on hers. “Katie, you can talk to me in complete confidence.”
Kathryn met his gaze, her eyes filling with hot tears.
“What do you know about California?” she asked.
“Only that Robert was worried about you. The last year you were out there, he said you grew distant, almost paranoid. He said he tried to ask you about it, but you always found a way to avoid the conversation. You were always away from home, spending all your time at the university. At first he thought there was another man, but later he thought there was more to it.”
Kathryn slumped against the chair as Mark continued.
“He confided in me because he needed someone to help him process it all. We talked about it a lot when you first moved back here, but he seemed to think it was no longer an issue since
you moved. Now with the way you’ve reacted to the accident, I put two and two together and assumed it was related.”
Kathryn’s gaze fell to the table. Would she never be rid of this guilt and shame? She couldn’t handle the idea of Mark and Anne finding out what she’d done, but she needed to see if Charlie was still a threat to her.
“I was never involved with another man,” she said. “But something did happen out there that made me scared. I didn’t know what to do.”
Mark patted her hand and passed over a box of tissues. He was obviously not a stranger to having people break down in his office. Kathryn wasn’t about to lose it now, not after braving so much. She studied his face. She’d kept silent for so long. Mark was a pastor, after all. She could trust him…
But no, that was it. She didn’t want him to realize what a terrible person she was. She would handle it on her own, the same way she always did.
“I wanted to tell Robert, but I didn’t want him involved. I thought if I told him, they would go after him. I thought they finally found me and went after him anyway.”
Mark’s eyes were wide. He was visibly shaken. “Katie, if you’re afraid you’re in danger, you need to talk to the police.”
Her head jerked up, panic stricken. “No! I couldn’t do that.”
“Then I may need to.”
“Please, Mark, no. Let me do a little digging. I promise you if I learn anything that shows I or anyone else is in any danger, I’ll go to the police. But please, let me handle it on my own. You said yourself the accident was an accident.” Kathryn searched his eyes, silently pleading with him to trust her.
“All right,” Mark exhaled. “If anything turns up…”
“I promise, I’ll tell you and the police.”
“OK. I hope you’ll come for dinner soon.”
“Thanks for understanding, Mark.”
“I didn’t say I understood, only that I’ll give you a chance to sort it out.”
“OK, thanks. I’ll be in touch.” With that, she hurried out of his office before he changed his mind.
She pulled out her phone. A text from her mom.
Having dinner at Rita’s tonight. She’ll drop me off at your place afterwards—maybe around eight.
That would give her a little time to do some digging in private. Kathryn went straight home, grabbed the first plastic container she found in the fridge, and threw it into the microwave as she powered up her computer. When the microwave beeped, she grabbed a can of diet soda, the container and a fork, and went back to the computer.
She logged into social media for the first time in three years.
Coming back to Pennsylvania represented a new life, one in which she didn’t want to be found. She pulled up Charlie’s page and searched for clues. In between forkfuls of surprisingly delicious dinner, she read through the most recent posts. By all accounts, he was still at the university in California, but strangely, all his postings abruptly stopped about two years ago. She switched over to another account but found the same thing. He’d been posting online almost every week or so, but then…nothing. What could it mean?
5
“Hey, Harrison. It’s payday. Know what that means?”
Adam turned to the refrigerator of a man looming over him. “Err, we get paid?”
Mac clapped him on the back. “No, we head over to Ruby’s to celebrate. The best part is, you’re the new guy.”
Adam’s brow furrowed. “And?”
Two other men from the crew joined them. “That means you buy the first round.”
Adam glanced around at the group of faces, all watching him. He’d been working with this crew almost 2 months now, and it was the first time he’d been asked to join them. “Sure, I’d be glad to.”
The guys filed past him, punching him good-naturedly on the arm or clapping his shoulder. Maybe this was a chance to finally fit in. They walked across the street to Ruby’s Pub, and took seats at the bar. Adam peered down the row at the guys seated there, taking a head count. “Beer?”
At their nods, he turned to the bartender. “We’ll take five of whatever you’ve got on tap for these fine gentlemen here.” He dropped his voice a notch. “And a cola for me.”
Mac didn’t miss the order. “A cola? What are you, in AA?”
Adam grimaced. “No, not really into drinking. I’ve made bad decisions after a few too many, and I’ve decided it’s not for me anymore.”
“Seriously?” Mac laughed. “Some of my best decisions were made while I was drunk.”
“At least some of the girls looked better,” Eddie added.
Mac glared at him and turned back to Adam. “All right. If you don’t want a drink, we’d better find you a girl.”
“Ahh, no. That won’t be necessary.”
“Come on, Harrison. It will be fun. Joe and Smitty are married, and Eddie and Steve are so ugly, it’s impossible.”
“Hey, who you calling ugly?” Eddie complained from the next stool over.
“All right now.” Mac swung his massive frame around, his gaze sweeping over the room. “I got fifty bucks that says by the end of the night, Mr. Cola here will convince a young lady to go home with him. Any takers?”
Adam’s stomach tightened. This was not going well at all. “Mac. I’m not interested.”
“You didn’t even check out the ladies yet.”
“I don’t want to meet a woman in a bar.” Adam shook his head. “I don’t want to meet a woman at all right now.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed. “You ain’t gay, are you?”
“What? No! I’m not gay. I just, ahh, got out of a bad relationship, and I’m not ready to get in another one yet.”
Mac laughed. “Who’s talking about a relationship? You need some fun for tonight. Now, for the lucky woman.” He went back to surveying the room.
Adam followed Mac’s gaze around the room. Fortunately, there were few others in the bar at this time. Later on, the place would be packed, but this early it was mostly guys from the construction site, or others stopping off for a drink after their shift.
Mac stared at the waitress taking an order at one of the booths. “Ahh, yes. Shari. She’s your type.”
Eddie glanced over. “No way, Shari? She won’t give us the time of day.”
Mac’s eyebrows raised. “Maybe she won’t give you the time of day. Shari is happy to show a real man a good time.”
Eddie’s eyes widened. “You and Shari? What do you want to fix her up with this guy for?”
Mac waved his hand. “Been there, done that. I like a good challenge.”
Adam tried for a way out. “No one took the bet, Mac. There’s nothing in it for you if I did end up with someone.”
“Who said there needs to be something in it for me? I’m trying to welcome my new friend to town with a little Pine Springs hospitality.”
“Uhh, no thanks, I’m good. Sounds like Eddie’s interested, though. Maybe you could help him out instead. I actually need to get going. I’ll pay for the drinks and be on my way.” Adam got up from the stool.
Mac’s lip curled. “All I’m trying to do is be welcoming. You’re not very appreciative.” Mac stood. If his six foot four inch frame wasn’t intimidating enough, the expression on his face was enough to make a man’s knees wobble.
“Sorry, Mac. Thanks for inviting me.” Adam slapped some cash on the bar and slid it toward the bartender.
“You think you’re better than us, but you’re not.”
Adam let out a slow breath. “I never said that. I’m just not interested in trying to get some girl to go home with me.”
“Guess you’re not man enough.” Mac sat back down on the stool.
Adam tensed. Two years ago, that kind of remark would’ve drawn him into a fight. A fight that he would not win. His gaze ran over the other guys’ faces. Eddie seemed sympathetic, but the rest were staring down at their drinks.
“Sorry to disappoint you, Mac. I’ll catch you guys later.” Adam took the chance to exit
. He would never fit in with these guys.
~*~
Kathryn gazed out over the sea of grass, with the wind moving the surface in gentle waves, and scowled. Why on earth did she insist on getting a house with such a large back yard? The lawn was getting out of control. She trudged through it, appalled her footprints were making a track through the tall weeds. She yanked open the shed door and the combined smells of grass, gasoline, and fertilizer encircled her. She maneuvered the mower out of the shed. How hard could it be? All she needed to do was yank the starting cord thingy, right?
She pulled.
Nothing.
She pulled again.
Still nothing.
After about ten more pulls, she gave one more mighty effort, and whacked her hand on the shed door. Hard.
She sank to the ground, her head in her hands. How did she get to this place? How could something as simple as mowing the lawn do her in like this? There were so many things Robert did she’d taken for granted. How could she ever take care of this place by herself?
Hugging her knees to her chest, she didn’t hear the footsteps approach. She drew in a breath when work boots materialized in front of her. She peered up into a kindly face, framed with white hair, one hand reaching out with a handkerchief. With a grateful smile, she took the handkerchief, wiped her forehead, and rose to her feet.
“I think you might need a little help, young lady,” he offered. “My name’s Bill. I’m sorry about your husband. He helped us out a lot next door. I don’t believe we’ve ever met, though. My wife, Mary, has been wanting to stop by with a casserole, but she hasn’t been her best the past couple weeks.”
Guilt stabbed through Kathryn. They’d been here three years, and she’d never even met the next-door neighbors. What kind of person was she?
“Thank you for your kindness. I’m sorry I never met you before.” She reached out a hand and Bill shook it, his grip strong, his hand calloused. “I’m Kathryn. I’m a little frustrated right now. I can’t seem to get the stupid lawnmower to start. I’ve pulled and pulled the string, and it won’t work.”